U.S. patent application number 14/449225 was filed with the patent office on 2015-10-15 for electric machine for a vehicle powertrain.
The applicant listed for this patent is GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC. Invention is credited to Lei Hao, Chandra S. Namuduri, Thomas Wolfgang Nehl, Avoki M. Omekanda, Murali Pandi.
Application Number | 20150295459 14/449225 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54265886 |
Filed Date | 2015-10-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150295459 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hao; Lei ; et al. |
October 15, 2015 |
ELECTRIC MACHINE FOR A VEHICLE POWERTRAIN
Abstract
An electric machine is provided that includes a rotor assembly
having a rotor core configured to support permanent magnets spaced
around the rotor core to define a number of rotor poles. The rotor
core has multiple rotor slots arranged as multiple barrier layers
at each of the rotor poles. The rotor core is configured so that
the electric machine satisfies predetermined operating parameters.
In one embodiment, the electric machine is coupled with an engine
through a belt drive train and provides cranking (engine starting),
regeneration and torque assist modes.
Inventors: |
Hao; Lei; (Warren, MI)
; Namuduri; Chandra S.; (Warren, MI) ; Pandi;
Murali; (K. Pudur, IN) ; Nehl; Thomas Wolfgang;
(Shelby Township, MI) ; Omekanda; Avoki M.;
(Rochester, MI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC |
Detroit |
MI |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
54265886 |
Appl. No.: |
14/449225 |
Filed: |
August 1, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
180/65.26 ;
180/65.285; 310/156.53; 903/903 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H02K 1/2713 20130101;
Y02T 10/56 20130101; B60K 6/485 20130101; B60K 6/387 20130101; Y10S
903/903 20130101; H02K 1/2766 20130101; H02K 1/165 20130101; B60K
6/26 20130101; H02K 1/246 20130101; Y02T 10/6221 20130101; H02K
1/274 20130101; H02K 1/276 20130101; B60K 2006/4833 20130101; B60K
6/48 20130101; Y02T 10/40 20130101; Y02T 10/6226 20130101; B60K
2006/268 20130101; B60W 20/10 20130101; Y02T 10/62 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H02K 1/27 20060101
H02K001/27; B60K 6/26 20060101 B60K006/26; B60W 20/00 20060101
B60W020/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 12, 2014 |
IN |
457/KOL/2014 |
Claims
1. An electric machine comprising: a rotor assembly having a rotor
core configured to support permanent magnets spaced around the
rotor core to define a number of rotor poles; and wherein the rotor
core has multiple rotor slots arranged as multiple barrier layers
at each of the rotor poles.
2. The electric machine of claim 1, wherein the barrier layers are
positioned adjacent one another between an inner periphery of the
rotor core and an outer periphery of the rotor core; wherein the
barrier layers include a first barrier layer nearest the inner
periphery having multiple segments; and permanent magnets housed in
at least some of the segments of the first barrier layer.
3. The electric machine of claim 2, wherein the segments of the
first barrier layer include a center segment and first and second
wing segments extending from opposite ends of the center segment
toward the outer periphery and away from one another.
4. The electric machine of claim 3, wherein the rotor core defines
a respective first top bridge between each of the first and second
wing segments and the outer periphery; and wherein a minimum width
of each first top bridge is not less than 0.7 mm and not greater
than 2 mm.
5. The electric machine of claim 3, wherein the rotor core defines
a respective mid-bridge between each of the first and second wing
segments and the center segment; and wherein a minimum width of
each mid-bridge is not less than 0.7 mm and not greater than 2
mm.
6. The electric machine of claim 3, wherein each of the first and
second wing segments and the center segment has a thickness; and
wherein the thickness of each of the wing segments and the center
segment is substantially the same.
7. The electric machine of claim 6, wherein the thickness of each
of the wing segments and the center segment is between 1 mm and 3.0
mm.
8. The electric machine of claim 3, wherein the permanent magnets
are housed in each of the wing segments and the center segment; and
wherein the permanent magnets are substantially identical to one
another and generally rectangular.
9. The electric machine of claim 3, wherein the barrier layers
include at least a second and a third barrier layer positioned
between the first barrier layer and the outer periphery; wherein
the rotor core defines a respective second top bridge between each
of the second and the third barrier layers and the outer periphery;
and wherein a minimum width of each second top bridge is not less
than 1 mm and not greater than 3 mm.
10. The electric machine of claim 3, wherein the rotor core has
cavities between adjacent first barrier layers to reduce mass.
11. The electric machine of claim 1, wherein the rotor core
includes a center shaft support and multiple spokes extending
radially outward from the center shaft support; and wherein the
multiple spokes are radially aligned with the rotor poles.
12. The electric machine of claim 1, further comprising: a stator
assembly surrounding the rotor assembly with a gap therebetween;
wherein the stator assembly has a number stator slots
circumferentially-spaced around the stator assembly and configured
to support stator windings; and wherein a lowest common multiplier
of the number of stator slots and the number of rotor poles is
greater than 60.
13. The electric machine of claim 1, further comprising: a stator
assembly surrounding the rotor assembly with a gap therebetween;
wherein the stator assembly has a number of stator slots
circumferentially-spaced around the stator assembly and configured
to support stator windings; and wherein a greatest common divisor
of the number of stator slots and the number of rotor poles is at
least 4.
14. The electric machine of claim 1, further comprising: a stator
assembly surrounding the rotor assembly with a gap therebetween;
wherein the stator assembly has multiple axially-stacked stator
laminations; and wherein a ratio of an outer diameter of the stator
laminations to an axial length of the stator laminations is not
less than 1.5 and not greater than 4.
15. The electric machine of claim 14, wherein the gap is not less
than 0.2 mm and not greater than 0.7 mm; and wherein the outer
diameter of the stator laminations is not greater than 145 mm and
the axial length of the stator laminations is not greater than 65
mm.
16. The electric machine of claim 1, further comprising: a stator
assembly surrounding the rotor assembly with a gap therebetween; a
motor controller power inverter module (MPIM) operatively connected
to the stator assembly; and in combination with: an engine having a
crankshaft; a belt drive train operatively connecting the electric
machine with the crankshaft; and a battery operatively connected to
the stator assembly; wherein the MPIM is configured to control the
stator assembly to achieve a motoring mode in which the electric
machine adds torque to the crankshaft using stored electrical power
from the battery; wherein the MPIM is configured to control the
stator assembly to achieve a generating mode in which the electric
machine converts torque of the crankshaft into stored electrical
power in the battery; and wherein the electric machine is
configured to achieve at least 80% efficiency over a predetermined
range of output power and speed, and to have a maximum speed of at
least 18,000 revolutions per minute.
17. The electric machine of claim 1, wherein a short circuit
current over an entire speed range of the electric machine is below
0.9 multiplied by a rated current of the electric machine.
18. An electric machine comprising: a rotor assembly having a rotor
core configured to support permanent magnets spaced around the
rotor core to define a number of rotor poles; wherein the rotor
core has multiple rotor slots arranged as multiple barrier layers
at each of the rotor poles between an inner periphery of the rotor
core and an outer periphery of the rotor core; wherein the barrier
layers include a first barrier layer nearest the inner periphery
having multiple segments including a center segment and first and
second wing segments extending from opposite ends of the center
segment toward the outer periphery and away from one another;
wherein the thickness of each of the wing segments and the center
segments is between 2.0 mm and 2.5 mm; a stator assembly
surrounding the rotor assembly with a gap therebetween; and wherein
the gap is not less than 0.3 mm and not greater than 0.5 mm.
19. The electric machine of claim 18, wherein the stator assembly
has multiple axially-stacked stator laminations;
20. The electric machine of claim 19, wherein a ratio of an outer
diameter of the stator laminations to an axial length of the stator
laminations is not less than 1.5 and not greater than 4.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of India Provisional
Application No. 457/KOL/2014 filed Apr. 12, 2014, which is hereby
incorporated by reference in its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present teachings generally include an electric machine
for a vehicle powertrain, and more particularly, an interior
permanent magnet motor.
BACKGROUND
[0003] An electric motor utilizes electric potential energy to
produce mechanical torque through the interaction of magnetic
fields and electric current-carrying conductors. Some electric
motors can also function as generators by using torque to produce
electrical energy. An interior permanent magnet electric machine
has a rotor assembly that includes a rotor core with magnets of
alternating polarity spaced around the rotor core.
SUMMARY
[0004] An electric machine is provided that includes a rotor
assembly having a rotor core configured to support permanent
magnets spaced around the rotor core to define a number of rotor
poles. The rotor core has multiple rotor slots arranged as multiple
barrier layers at each of the rotor poles. One or more of the
barrier layers at each rotor pole may house permanent magnets. The
rotor core is configured with an optimal geometry to satisfy
predetermined operating parameters. The electric machine may be
configured with a multi-phase stator assembly and an interior
permanent magnet assisted synchronous reluctance rotor assembly. In
particular, the electric machine is designed to achieve
predetermined operating parameters including a high efficiency, a
high power density and/or a high torque density, a relatively wide
peak power range, a maximum speed, a relatively low cost, a
relatively low mass and inertia, and three phase shorted currents
less than rated current, and has the ability to fit into a
relatively small packaging space. In one embodiment, the electric
machine is coupled with an engine through a belt drive train and
provides engine cranking (i.e., starting), regeneration and torque
assist modes.
[0005] The above features and advantages and other features and
advantages of the present teachings are readily apparent from the
following detailed description of the best modes for carrying out
the present teachings when taken in connection with the
accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration in side view of a first
embodiment of an electric machine in accordance with the present
teachings.
[0007] FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration in side view of a rotor
assembly of the electric machine of FIG. 1.
[0008] FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration in side view of a stator
assembly of the electric machine of FIG. 1.
[0009] FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration in side view of a second
embodiment of a rotor assembly for use in the electric machine of
FIG. 1 in accordance with the present teachings.
[0010] FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration in side view of a third
embodiment of a rotor assembly for use in the electric machine of
FIG. 1 in accordance with the present teachings.
[0011] FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of a powertrain including
the electric machine of FIG. 1.
[0012] FIG. 7 is a plot of torque per unit of base torque (pu) and
power per unit of base power (pu) versus speed (revolutions per
minute) of the electric machine of FIG. 1.
[0013] FIG. 8 is an efficiency map at different powers per unit of
base power (pu) and speeds (revolutions per minute) during a
generating mode of the electric machine of FIG. 1.
[0014] FIG. 9 is an efficiency map at different powers per unit of
base power (pu) and speeds (revolutions per minute) during a
motoring mode of the electric machine of FIG. 1.
[0015] FIG. 10 is a plot of rotor speed (revolutions per minute),
power per unit of base power (pu) and phase A current per unit of
base current (pu) versus time (seconds) during a three-phase short
circuit event.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0016] Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference numbers
refer to like components throughout the views, FIG. 1 shows an
electric machine 10 having a stator assembly 12 and a rotor
assembly 14. As discussed herein, the electric machine 10 has a
multi-phase stator assembly 12 and an interior permanent magnet
assisted synchronous reluctance rotor assembly 14 configured with
an optimal design and geometry to satisfy predetermined operating
parameters. In particular, the electric machine 10 is designed to
achieve a high efficiency, such as 80 percent over a predetermined
output power and speed range, to have a high power density and/or a
high torque density, to have a relatively wide peak power range, a
maximum speed of at least 18,000 revolutions per minute (rpm), a
relatively low cost by minimizing the required number of permanent
magnets, a relatively low mass and inertia, and to fit into a
relatively small packaging space. Alternative rotor assemblies 114,
214 that can be used in place of rotor assembly 14 are shown in
FIGS. 4 and 5 that also have optimal designs and geometries to meet
the same predetermined operating parameters. The electric machine
10 having any of the rotor assemblies 14, 114, 214 may be used in a
powertrain 300, shown in FIG. 6 in an engine belt-driven
arrangement to provide engine cranking, regeneration and torque
assist modes.
[0017] Referring to FIGS. 1-3, the stator assembly 12 radially
surrounds the rotor assembly 14 with an air gap 16 defined
therebetween. The electric machine 10 is configured so that the air
gap 16 may be, by way of non-limiting example only, not less than
0.2 mm and not greater than 0.7 mm in order to maximize power and
minimize the number of magnets 20A, 20B, 20C. By way of further
non-limiting example, the air gap 16 may be not less than 0.3 mm
and not greater than 0.5 mm. Both the stator assembly 12 and the
rotor assembly 14 are generally annular in shape and are concentric
about a longitudinal center axis A of the electric machine 10
(shown best in FIG. 6). The stator assembly 12 has a stator core 30
and the rotor assembly 14 has a rotor core 18. Both the stator core
30 and the rotor core 18 can be assembled from multiple laminations
stacked axially along the axis A. For example, FIG. 6 shows stacks
of stator laminations 19. It should be appreciated that a motor
housing can radially surround an outer periphery of the stator
laminations 19 and can support a motor shaft 29 of the electric
machine 10. The housing is not shown for purposes of illustration
in FIG. 6 so that the laminations 19 will be visible.
[0018] The rotor assembly 14 includes a rotor core 18 configured to
support multiple permanent magnets 20A, 20B, 20C spaced around the
rotor core 18. Specifically, the rotor core 18 has multiple rotor
slots 22, 24, 26, 28, also referred to herein as barriers or
barrier layers, arranged as multiple barrier layers including a
first barrier layer 22, a second barrier layer 24, a third barrier
layer 26, and a fourth barrier layer 28. The first barrier layer 22
is closest to an inner periphery 23 of the rotor core 18. The
second barrier layer 24 is positioned between the first barrier
layer 22 and the third barrier layer 26. The third barrier layer 26
is positioned between the second barrier layer 24 and the fourth
barrier layer 28. The fourth barrier layer 28 is further from the
inner periphery 23 than the barrier layers 22, 24, and 26. The
fourth barrier layer 28 is closer to an outer periphery 25 of the
rotor core 18 than is the first barrier layer 22, and at least
portions of the second and third barrier layers 24, 26. In the
embodiments shown, only the first barrier layer 22 houses magnets
20A, 20B, 20C. The other barrier layers 24, 26, 28 act as air
barriers. In other embodiments, one or more of the barrier layers
24, 26, 28 can also be filled with permanent magnets.
[0019] The rotor assembly 14 is configured to be rotatable about
the axis A that extends longitudinally through the center of the
electric machine 10. The rotor core 18 is rigidly connected to and
rotates with a motor shaft 29 (shown only in FIG. 6) that extends
through a shaft opening 31 in the rotor core 18. The material of
the rotor core 18 around the shaft opening 31 functions as a center
shaft support 33.
[0020] The stator assembly 12 includes a stator core 30 that has
multiple circumferentially-spaced stator slots 32. The stator slots
32 extend lengthwise along the axis A. The stator slots 32 are
configured to house multi-phase stator windings 34. The stator
windings 34 can be grouped into different sets, each of which carry
an identical number of phases of electrical current, such as three
phases, as is understood by those skilled in the art. The stator
windings 34 may extend axially beyond first and second axial ends
36, 38 of the stator core 30, shown in FIG. 6. The axial length AL
of the stacks of laminations 19 (i.e., the distances along the axis
A between the axial ends 36, 38) not including any extending
portion of the windings 34 is also referred to herein as the active
length of the electric machine 10. A ratio of an outer diameter OD
of the laminations 19 of the stator assembly 12 to the active
length AL may be, by way of non-limiting example only, not less
than 1.5 and not greater than 4, and, by way of non-limiting
example only, with the active length AL not exceeding 65 mm and the
outer diameter OD not exceeding 145 mm in order to satisfy
predetermined packing space requirements for a particular
application of the electric machine 10, such as in a vehicle
powertrain.
[0021] Referring to FIG. 2, the rotor has eight poles 40
established at least partially by the placement of the permanent
magnets 20A, 20B, 20C in the first barrier layer 22 generally
circumferentially disposed in the rotor core 18 and by the selected
polarity of the magnets 20A, 20B, 20C. Although eight poles 40 are
shown, the electric machine 10 can be configured to have a
different number of poles 40. By way of non-limiting example, the
number of poles 40 can be between 6 and 12 in order to meet
predetermined torque, power, and packaging parameters while
remaining within predetermined noise limits. Each pole 40 includes
a set of the multiple barrier layers 22, 24, 26, 28. The poles 40
are shown separated from one another by pole boundaries 42
extending radially through the rotor core 30. Each pole 40 includes
all of the material of the rotor core 30 bounded by the respective
pole boundaries 42 of the pole 40. A pole axis 44 of only one of
the poles 40 is shown, although each pole 40 has a similar pole
axis 44 extending radially through the center of the pole 40. The
rotor core 18 is a steel material selected to maintain high speed
rotational stress within predetermined limits. By way of
non-limiting example, a computer-based rotational stress analysis
of the rotor assembly 14 indicates that the furthest distal
portions 45 of a center segment 60 of the first barrier layer 22
experience the greatest rotational stress and that, when the
electric machine 10 is operated in motoring mode at 20,000 rpm and
at 150 degrees Celsius, the stress at distal portion 45 will remain
less than a predetermined maximum allowable rotational stress based
on material properties.
[0022] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, in one example embodiment, the
stator core 30 has sixty stator slots 32 circumferentially arranged
about the stator core 30 and opening at an inner periphery 50 of
the stator core 30 toward the air gap 16. Stator teeth 52 separate
each of the stator slots 32 and are configured with ends 54 that
retain the stator windings 34. A greatest common divisor (GCD) of
the number of stator slots 32 and the number of poles 40 of the
rotor core 18 is the largest positive integer that divides the
number of stator slots 32 and the number of poles 40 without a
remainder. In the embodiment shown, because the stator core 30 has
60 stator slots 32 and the rotor core 18 has eight poles 40, the
GCD is 4. In other embodiments, the GCD can be a different number,
and is preferably greater than or equal to 4.
[0023] A lowest common multiplier (LCM) of the number of stator
slots 32 and the number of poles 40 is the smallest positive
integer that is divisible by both the number of stator slots 32 and
the number of poles 40. In the embodiment shown, because the stator
core 30 has 60 stator slots 32 and the rotor core 18 has eight
poles 40, the LCM is 120. In other embodiments, the LCM can be a
different number, and is preferably greater than 60 to minimize
cogging torque due to the interaction of the permanent magnets 20A,
20B, 20C and the teeth 52 of the stator core 30.
[0024] Referring now to FIG. 2, it is clear that the first barrier
layer 22 has multiple discrete segments physically separated from
one another by the material of the rotor core 18. Specifically, the
segments include a center segment 60 that houses the magnet 20A.
The first barrier layer 22 also has first and second wing segments
62A, 62B that are positioned generally near opposite ends 64A, 64B
of the center segment 60 toward the outer periphery 25 and angling
and away from one another. The center segment 60 is positioned so
that the magnet 20A housed therein is generally perpendicular to a
radius of the rotor core 18, with the radius being shown as and
represented by the pole axis 44.
[0025] For costs savings, it is desirable that each of the
permanent magnets 20A, 20B, and 20C have identical, rectangular
shapes. This may be accomplished by configuring the center segment
60 and the first and second wing segments 62A, 62B to have
identical thicknesses T1, T2, T3. In one non-limiting example, the
thicknesses T1, T2, and T3 are between about 1 mm and 3.0 mm, and,
in a more specific example, between about 2.0 and 2.5 mm, enabling
magnets 20A, 20B, 20C with a suitable width to be fit therein. It
is noted that although the permanent magnets 20A, 20B, 20C are
rectangular in shape, the center segment 60 and wing segments 62A,
62B have a more complex shape, with a generally rectangular middle
portion which fits to and holds the magnets 20A, 20B, 20C, and air
pockets 66 extending at one or both ends. The lengths of the center
segments 60 and the wing segments 62A, 62B of the stacked rotor
laminations in the direction of the axis A may be equal. The length
of center segments 60 in the direction of the axis A and wing
segments 62A, 62B of the stacked rotor lamination may be equal. By
doing that, the permanent magnets 20A, 20B, and 20C can have
identical, rectangular shapes. Multiple magnets may be positioned
in each of the aligned segments 20A, 20B, 20C in the direction of
the length of the axis A.
[0026] The center segment 60 and the wing segments 62A, 62B of the
first barrier layer 22 are separated from one another by material
of the rotor core 18. In other words, the center segment 60 and the
wing segments 62A, 62B are discreet and discontinuous from one
another because the rotor core 18 defines a mid-bridge 68 between
the center segment 60 and the first wing segment 62A, and between
the center segment 60 and the second wing segment 62B. By way of
non-liming example, the rotor core 18 can be configured so that a
minimum width WM of each mid-bridge 68 is not less than 0.7 mm and
not greater than 2 mm. The minimum width WM is defined as the
minimum distance between the center segment 60 and the first wing
segment 62A or the second wing segment 62B. A mid-bridge 68
configured in this manner helps to meet the predetermined
rotational stress requirement of the electric machine 10, and
minimizes necessary magnet material to potentially reduce
manufacturing costs.
[0027] The material of the rotor core 18 also forms a first top
bridge 70 between each of the first and second wing segments 62A,
62B and the outer periphery 25 of the rotor core 18. By way of
non-limiting example, a minimum width WT1 of each first top bridge
70 is not less than 0.75 mm and not greater than 2 mm.
[0028] Additionally, the material of the rotor core 18 forms a
second top bridge 72 that extends between each of the second
barrier layer 24, the third barrier layer 26, and the fourth
barrier layer 28 and the outer periphery 25. In other words, the
second top bridge 72 is that portion of each rotor pole 40 that is
between first and second wing segments 62A, 62B of the rotor pole
40 and the outer periphery 25. For purposes of illustration, FIG. 2
illustrates the circumferential angular expanse 78 (i.e., a segment
of the circumference of the rotor core 18) of one of the second top
bridges 72. By way of non-limiting example, a minimum width WT2 of
each second top bridge 72 is not less than 1 mm and not greater
than 3 mm. The magnets 20A, 20B, 20C create the torque-producing
flux in the electric machine 10 and also serve to saturate the top
bridges 70 to minimize a flux shunting effect.
[0029] For mass savings, the rotor core 18 has cavities 80 between
adjacent wing segments 62A, 62B of adjacent sets of first barrier
layers 22 of adjacent poles 40. Additional cavities 82 are
positioned radially inward of the first barrier layers 22 and
radially outward of the inner periphery 23. The cavities 80, 82 are
in relatively low magnetic flux density regions of the rotor core
18 to reduce weight and inertia of the rotor core 18. This enables
fast dynamic responsiveness of the electric machine 10, such as
when a vehicle operator changes operating demands, thereby
potentially increasing vehicle fuel economy.
[0030] The cavities 82 are positioned so that spokes 84 are defined
by the rotor core 18 between adjacent ones of the cavities 82 and
centered within each rotor pole 40. That is, the spokes 84 are
centered under the center segments 60 and the center magnets 20A.
By positioning the spokes 84 so that they are directly under the
center segments 60, the spokes 84 are radially aligned with the
poles 40 so that the center pole axis 42 of each pole 40 runs
through the radial center of the respective spoke 84 under the
center segment 20A. Accordingly, magnetic flux through the rotor
core material of the spokes 84 aids in magnetizing the magnets 20A,
20B, 20C. The spokes 84 in the embodiment shown are non-linear in
shape, as they are defined in part by the circular cavities 82. The
spokes 84 extend generally radially between the portion of the
rotor core 18 functioning as the center shaft support 33 and the
center segments 60.
[0031] FIG. 4 shows an alternative rotor assembly 114 that can be
used with the stator assembly 12 in lieu of the rotor assembly 14
in the electric machine 10. The rotor assembly 114 has a rotor core
118 that is different from rotor core 18 only in that barrier
layers 122, 124, 126 and 128 corresponding respectively with first,
second, third, and fourth barrier layers 22, 24, 26, and 28 have
corners that are more rounded, cavities 180 corresponding with
cavities 80 have rounded corners, and cavities 182 have a different
shape and location than cavities 82, resulting in linear spokes 184
extending radially along the pole boundaries 42 instead of the pole
axes 44 (labeled with respect to one pole 40 in FIG. 4). The spokes
184 are thus centered between the poles 40 rather than at the poles
40. Otherwise, the rotor assembly 114 is alike in all aspects to
rotor assembly 14 and functions and performs as described with
respect to rotor assembly 14 to satisfy the same predetermined
operating parameters. A computer-based rotational stress analysis
of the rotor assembly 114 indicates that the furthest distal
portion 145 of the center segment 60A experiences the greatest
rotational stress and that, when the electric machine 10 is
operated in motoring mode at 20,000 rpm and at 150 degrees Celsius,
the rotational stress at distal portion 145 will be less than the
predetermined maximum operating parameter of allowable rotational
stress based on material properties. In one example embodiment with
the stator assembly 12 and the rotor assembly 114, the electric
machine 10 may have a total weight less than 8 kilograms (kg), with
the laminated stator core 30 weighing less than 3 kg, the laminated
rotor core 18 weighing less than 2 kg, the stator windings 34
weighing less than 2.5 kg, and all of the magnets 20A, 20B, 20C
weighing less than 0.5 kg.
[0032] FIG. 5 shows an alternative rotor assembly 214 that can be
used with the stator assembly 12 in lieu of rotor assembly 14 in
the electric machine 10. The rotor assembly 214 is alike in all
aspects to rotor assembly 114 except that the rotor core 218 is
configured so that the first barrier layers 122 are replaced with
first barrier layers 220 that have center segments 260A that are
continuous with and not discreet from the wing segments 262A and
262B. In other words, there are no mid-bridges separating the
center segment 260A from the wing segments 262A and 262B in each
first barrier layer 220, and the wing segments 262A, 262B extend
from opposing ends of the center segment 260A. Additionally, the
rotor core 218 is configured so that rotor spokes 284 extend along
a pole axis 44 of each rotor pole 40, and cavities 282 between the
rotor spokes 284 are centered along the pole boundaries 42. A
computer-based rotational stress analysis of the rotor assembly 214
indicates that no portion will experience a rotational stress
greater than the predetermined maximum allowable rotational stress
based on material properties when the electric machine 10 is
operated in motoring mode at 20,000 rpm and at 150 degrees
Celsius.
[0033] The electric motor 10 can be used in many applications, such
as on a vehicle. One non-limiting example use of the electric motor
10 is shown in FIG. 6. The electric motor 10 is included in the
powertrain 300 of vehicle 302. The powertrain 300 also includes an
engine 304 having a crankshaft 306. A belt drive train 308
operatively connects the electric machine 10 with the crankshaft
306 when a selectively engageable clutch 322A is engaged. The
powertrain 300 is a hybrid powertrain and more specifically, a
fossil fuel-electric hybrid powertrain because, in addition to the
engine 14 as a first power source powered by fossil fuel, such as
gasoline or diesel fuel, the electric machine 10 powered by stored
electrical energy is available as a second power source. The
electric machine 10 is controllable to function as a motor or as a
generator and is operatively connectable to the crankshaft 306 of
the engine 304 via the belt drive train 308 when the selectively
engageable clutch 322A is engaged. The belt drive train 308
includes a belt 310 that engages with a pulley 312. The pulley 312
is connected to and rotates with the motor shaft 29 of the electric
motor 10 only when the selectively engageable clutch 322A is
engaged. The belt 310 also engages with a pulley 314 connectable to
rotate with the crankshaft 306. When the pulley 312 is connected to
rotate with the electric machine 10 and the pulley 314 is connected
to rotate with the crankshaft 306, the belt drive train 308
establishes a driving connection between the electric machine 10
and the crankshaft 306. The electric machine 10 may be referred to
as a belt-alternator-starter motor/generator in this arrangement.
Alternatively, the belt drive train 308 may include a chain in lieu
of the belt 310 and sprockets in lieu of the pulleys 312, 314. Both
such embodiments of the belt drive train 308 are referred to herein
as a "belt drive train".
[0034] A motor controller power inverter module (MPIM) 316 is
operatively connected to the stator assembly 12. As shown, the MPIM
316 is mounted directly to the electric machine 10. A battery 318
is operatively connected to the stator assembly 12 through the MPIM
316 and through one or more additional controllers 320 that are
also operatively connected to the engine 304, to a transmission
321, and to clutches 322A, 322B, and 324. The operative connections
to the engine 304, transmission 321 and clutches 322A, 322B, and
324 are not shown for purposes of clarity in the drawings. The
connections to the transmission 321 and clutches 322A, 322B, and
324 may be electronic, hydraulic, or otherwise.
[0035] When clutch 324 is engaged, and assuming internal clutches
in the transmission 321 are controlled to establish a driving
connection between the transmission input member 334 and the
transmission output member 336, torque transfer can occur between
the crankshaft 306 and vehicle wheels 330 through the transmission
321 and through a differential 332.
[0036] Under predetermined operating conditions, the controller 320
can cause the clutch 322B to be engaged, and the MPIM 316 can
control the electric machine 10 to function as a motor. The
electric machine 10 can then drive the crankshaft 306 via
intermeshing gears 340, 342 to start the engine 14. Gear 340 is
mounted on and rotates with a shaft 346 that rotates with the motor
shaft 29 when clutch 322B is engaged. Gear 342 is mounted on and
rotates with the crankshaft 306. Clutch 322A is not engaged during
cranking of the engine 14.
[0037] When the engine 14 is on, and when predetermined operating
conditions are met, the MPIM 316 is configured to control the
stator assembly 12 to achieve a motoring mode in which the electric
machine 10 adds torque to the crankshaft 306 using stored
electrical power from the battery 318. The battery 318 has a
nominal voltage of 12 volts in the embodiment shown. The electric
motor 10 adds torque through the belt drive train 308, with clutch
322A engaged and clutch 322B not engaged. When the engine 14 is on
and other predetermined operating conditions are met, the MPIM 316
is configured to control power flow in the stator assembly 12 to
achieve a generating mode in which the electric machine 10 converts
torque of the crankshaft 306 into stored electrical power in the
battery 318, with clutch 322A engaged and clutch 322B not engaged.
Operation of the electric machine 10 as a generator slows the
crankshaft 306.
[0038] In the application shown in FIG. 6 or in other vehicle
powertrain applications, the electric machine 10 is configured to
achieve at least 80% efficiency over a predefined output power and
speed range as illustrated in FIG. 8. The predefined output power
range is 1500 to 5000 watts, and the predefined speed range is
2500-8000 rpm, and to have a maximum speed of at least 18,000
revolutions per minute. Referring to FIG. 7, a plot 400 shows
torque of the electric machine 10 per unit of base torque (pu) on
the left-side vertical axis 402. Power of the electric machine 10
per unit of base power (pu) is shown on the right side vertical
axis 404. Speed of the rotor assembly 14 in revolutions per minute
(rpm) is shown on the horizontal axis 406. Some of the
predetermined operating parameters that the geometry of the
electric machine 10 is specifically designed to satisfy include a
motoring peak torque requirement 408, a motoring power requirement
410, and a generating power requirement 412. Motoring torque 414
theoretically achievable by the electric machine 10 exceeds the
motoring peak torque requirement 408. Motoring power 416
theoretically achievable by the electric machine 10 exceeds the
motoring power requirement 410. The magnitude of the generating
power 418 theoretically achievable by the electric machine 10
exceeds the generating power requirement 412. Generating torque 420
is also shown, and extends at least to a speed of the electric
machine 10 of 18,000 rpm.
[0039] FIG. 8 shows a map 500 of the efficiency of the electric
machine 10 when operating in a 14 volt generating mode. Power of
the electric machine 10 per unit of base power (pu) is shown on the
vertical axis 502. Speed of the electric machine 10 in rpm is shown
on the horizontal axis 504. Regions of different operating
efficiencies of the electric machine 10 are shown bounded by dashed
lines including: a 94% operating efficiency zone 506; a 92%
operating efficiency zone 508; a 90% operating efficiency zone 510;
an 88% operating efficiency zone 512; an 85% operating efficiency
zone 514; an 80% operating efficiency zone 516; an approximately
75% operating efficiency zone 518; an approximately 65% operating
efficiency zone 520; an approximately 55% operating efficiency zone
522; an approximately 45% operating efficiency zone 524; an
approximately 35% operating efficiency zone 526; an approximately
25% operating efficiency zone 528; and an approximately 15%
operating efficiency zone 530.
[0040] FIG. 9 shows a map 600 of the efficiency of the electric
machine 10 when operating in a 12 volt motoring mode. Power of the
electric machine 10 per unit of base power (pu) is shown on the
vertical axis 602. Speed of the electric machine 10 in rpm is shown
on the horizontal axis 604. Regions of different operating
efficiencies of the electric machine 10 are shown bounded by dashed
lines including: a 92% operating efficiency zone 606; a 90%
operating efficiency zone 608; an 88% operating efficiency zone
610; an 85% operating efficiency zone 612; an 80% operating
efficiency zone 614; an approximately 75% operating efficiency zone
616; an approximately 70% operating efficiency zone 618; an
approximately 65% operating efficiency zone 620; an approximately
60% operating efficiency zone 622; an approximately 55% operating
efficiency zone 624; an approximately 50% operating efficiency zone
626; an approximately 45% operating efficiency zone 628; and an
approximately 40% operating efficiency zone 630.
[0041] FIG. 10 is a plot 700 of the rotational speed in rpm of the
rotor assembly 14 in rpm on the far left vertical axis 702, a phase
A current per unit of base current (pu) in the windings 34 of
stator assembly 12 on the other left-side vertical axis 704, power
of the electric machine 10 per unit of base power (pu) on the right
side vertical axis 706, and time in seconds on the horizontal axis
708 during a three-phase short circuit event. The short circuit
event occurs by connecting the three phases of the terminals 34
together while the rotor assembly 14 is free spinning (i.e.,
without torque on the motor shaft 29) at high speeds, such as
greater than 4000 rpm. The resulting speed of the rotor assembly 14
is shown by curve 710. The phase current of phase A is shown by
curve 712. The power loss in the electric machine 10 is shown by
curve 714. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the actual
short circuit current is less than a predetermined value, for
example, 0.9 multiplied by the rated current of the electric
machine 10,.
[0042] While the best modes for carrying out the many aspects of
the present teachings have been described in detail, those familiar
with the art to which these teachings relate will recognize various
alternative aspects for practicing the present teachings that are
within the scope of the appended claims.
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